The National Christian College Athletic Association in
conjunction with the American Volleyball Coaches Association has announced its
2009 recipient for the National Assistant Coach of the Year. Barb Herron, the
first assistant coach of the women’s and men’s volleyball programs at Northland
International University, has been named the initial recipient of an award put
into place for the 2009 season. This award will continue to be recognized from
this point forward by both the NCCAA and the AVCA.
Nominations were taken from both DI and DII of the NCCAA.
The AVCA has joined hands with the NCCAA to recognize an assistant coach each
year that adds to the quality of the program in a supportive, assistant role.
They understand that much of the success of any program is due in large part to
the tasks and responsibilities that an assistant carries out—most times unseen
by those that come to watch the matches played. Barb has been an assistant for fifteen
seasons on the women’s volleyball sidelines as well as for the men’s team at
Northland International. Athletic director, Pete Wehry, commented, “This is a
legitimate award that goes to a very deserving coach in our department. Barb
undertakes a myriad of tasks—that others do not know about—which directly aid
the head coach’s ability to run a quality program in volleyball, influencing our
other sports!”
The head coach for Northland International University
commented, “Mrs. Barb Herron has been an assistant coach during the length of her
coaching career which began in 1985 as a high school coach. She has worked
continuously to hold the line of discipline as set by the head coach. During the
last fifteen years, she has been a strong support to the program philosophy as
defined by the head coach. Being a female, she has been able to make inroads
and encounter the psyche that governs the female student-athlete, which oftentimes
cannot be discovered by the male head coach. Many of our student-athletes are
far from home, and she has been a sure, steady surrogate mother for them. Her
ability to combine the unique dichotomy of a demanding, assistant coach and an
understanding, caring counselor has contributed greatly to our program here at
Northland International. Despite the relationship between me and the nominee, Barb
Herron is a very worthy candidate.”
The award winner
was invited to the NCAA WVB Championships in Tampa, Florida, on December 17−19,
2009. She was invited to be a guest at the AVCA Coaches Awards Luncheon at the
AVCA National Convention on Thursday, December 17, 2009. The Northland
International community is thankful for the honor bestowed and grateful for the
faithful service of Mrs. Barb Herron.